Ergonomics
Ergonomic Trends to Watch in 2026
Adapt to the changes and growth in the field of workplace ergonomics this year for more robust and successful injury prevention results.
Listen: Is Task Rotation the Answer to MSD Injury Prevention?
Explore the role of task rotation in preventing MSDs and discover how effective ergonomic strategies can enhance workplace safety and well-being.
Matthew P Fisenne
Jun 4, 2026
When organizations look for ways to reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), task rotation is often one solution considered as part of the conversation. On the surface, it feels intuitive. If a job is physically demanding, rotating employees through different tasks may help reduce exposure.
But as discussed in this week’s episode of the Briotix Health Spotlight podcast, the reality is more nuanced. Task rotation can support a broader ergonomics strategy, but it is not a standalone solution for reducing injury risk.
In the episode, Senior Corporate Ergonomist Kristianne Egbert, CPE, breaks down where task rotation fits, where it falls short, and what organizations should evaluate before relying on it as a primary MSD prevention approach.
As Kristianne explains in the discussion, “Task rotation can be a useful strategy within a broader program, but it does not replace the need to address the actual source of ergonomic risk.”
Key takeaways from the conversation
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Task rotation is an administrative control, meaning it manages exposure rather than eliminating risk at the source
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Rotating employees does not always reduce overall ergonomic risk if tasks involve similar movements, postures, or force
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Without a detailed ergonomic assessment, organizations may shift risk instead of meaningfully reducing it
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Effective programs require understanding repetition, force, posture, duration, and body region exposure; however, engineering controls that address the source of risk typically provide more sustainable outcomes.
Listen to the full episode
Listen to the complete conversation on when task rotation works, where it falls short, and how it fits into a comprehensive MSD prevention strategy.
Understanding these nuances helps organizations make more informed decisions that better support employee well-being and long-term injury prevention.
Listen to the 15-minute episode below:
Explore other workplace health and injury prevention topics on the Briotix Health Spotlight on Spotify or YouTube.